Athers stood on the forcastle of the
Morning Glory, his eyes on the horizon. They were but minutes from landing on the island, and all the Eagles were waiting anxiously. This was their first test in actual combat and if they failed - well, best not to dwell on that. Athers hoped they were ready. He felt sure they were inside, but on the eve of the unit's baptism in fire he couldn't be sure. He took a deep, reassuring breath and turned back to his men, his blue eyes hard and determined.
"Right lads, this is for all the chips - no screwups on this outing. We have to pull it off - you know that. I've trained you since the beginning - many of you were soldiers around the world before then. All I know is that if Sitting Bull ever finds me I'm in deep trouble. And when I say deep I mean
deep deep dark trouble. A lot of you can probably attest to similar stories. 2LT Masters over there comes from the US of A and is a wanted man from Washington to New York. I believe Corporal Potter has the death sentence in four countries. You know what combat is like. So do I. But do your jobs and no one loses a friend."
"Inspiring." Captain Drashgorth observed dryly. "You lads take it from 'ere."
Athers nodded, seeing his men ready for the task that would make - or break - the Night Eagles. He strode over to the netting dropped over the side of the ship and started to climb down. His men followed, splitting into their respective teams to make the trip easier to organize. Athers slid into the water quickly and began to swim for the land, his sword a weight on him. His bow was encased in a tube that protected it from water, and was thus yet another weight. It was only moments, however, before his feet struck the bottom. The rest of the commandos were moving in the water as well, sanding as they could. The lights of the supply port beckoned.
Athers waded forward swiftly, his sword coming out of its sheath with a soft
shink!. His men were right behind him, still aiming for the lights. Athers began to grow worried that the Russians would look out and see the Night Eagles coming in. As it was, his fears were groundless, as he made it ashore before anything occurred. His troops split quickly into multiple groups, each one moving into a building. Athers himself waited. A moment later a few Russians in sleeping clothes emerged from one of the barracks at swordpoint. A few more joined them quickly. By now one of the
Glory's boats had made it ashore and once Athers was sure all the Russians had been rounded up he sent them off to the
Glory to wait out the night. His men double-checked that the place was secure and then rallied his men. They set out for the prison compound, ready to fight.
Second Lieutenant Jack Masters led his men along competently in Athers' wake. His commander's men disappeared into the forest, Masters only a second behind them. His men passed by Athers' in the woods, and he distinctly heard his commander call out in a low voice:
"It's your show now, Jack!"
Masters saluted and waved his men forward. The compound lay ahead.
OOC: They'll get longer and more detailed when the fighting starts